Relay mechanism



My 2l, 1929. A. F. MEYER 1,713,853

RELAY MECHANISM Filed Dec. 2, 1927 ShQSlZS-Sheet l Inventor ADoLPH F. MEyEF? A vorneys May 21, 1929. A F, MEYER ljlss RELAY MECHANISM FIfiled Dec. 2, 1927 B'Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor ADo/.PHEMEyER F7@ l l BWM/wm Avnornegs Patented May 2l, i929.

UNlThD S'lt'llS ADOLPl-I F. MEYER, 03F ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.

RELAY MECHANISM.

.Application led December rlhis invention relates to new and useful inunovements in relay mechanisms, particularly of the hydraulic type, and is an improvement on the form shoivn in my pending application, Serial No. 198,205, iled June ll, 1927.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic mechanism comprising a rotor or rotary member having a fluid conduit pendently supported thereabove and having a connection with a fluid supply under pressure, and mea-ns being interposed between the rotor and the discharge end of the `conduit for leading the fluid issuing from the conduit, to or away from the rotor, to control its rotation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a relay mechanism including a member mounted for rota-tion in either direction and having a connection with other apparatus to be controlled thereby such as, for example, a valve adapted to control fluid pressure, and having a tube pcndently mounted above' the rotor with its discharge end positioned over a pairof ducts, the lower ends of which are positioned adjacent to the rotor at opposite sides of its center, and a neutral passage being interposed between the ducts and also adapted to receive fluid from the tube and fiinctioning to lead fluid away from the rotor, and the tube having means for operatively connecting it with a physical-phenomena measuring device such as, for example, a Watt meter. The disch arge end of the tube is preferably positioned so that, when the phenomenon normal, it will discharge into the neutral passage, but when the phenomenon varies or changes either one Way or the other from normal, the tube Will be deflected by such variation to direct a portion or all of the fluid into one or the other of the ducts, thereby causing the fluid passing through the ducts to impinge against the rotor and thus rotate it in either one direction or the other. Motion of the hand of the device, measuring the phenomenon to becontrolled, causes the tube to direct the discharging fluid into the neutral passage and said ducts, to control rotation of the rotor and therefore the operation of the apparatus associated therewith.

A further object is to provide a hydraulic relay comprising a rotor having pockets or lbuckets provided on the periphery thereof,

and also having a pair of divergent ducts arranged over the rotor and having their lower or rhs-seharge ends positioned to the 2, les?.

arial No. 237,240.

periphery of the rotor at each side of its center, and the upper ends of the ducts being connected and terminating below the discharge end of a pendently supported tube having a connection with a supply of fluid, under pressure. A neutral passagev is interposed between the ends of the ducts `and is separated therefrom by Walls having knife edges adapted to divide the stream of fiuid issuing from the tube, and the neutral pasage is adapted to lead fluid awa-y from the rotor so as not to cause rotation thereof.

A further object is to provide a relay of the class described, comprising a chamber having a member mounted therein and adapted for rotation in either direction, the peripheryof the member having a plurality of adj acently disposed peripheral pockets, separated by radial vanes or Walls. Duets are arranged over the member for leading fluid against the periphery thereof, at either side of its center, to control rotation of the member in either direction,and a tube is mounted over the receiving ends of the duct-s and has its discharge end adapted for movement to direct all or a portion of the fluid into the ducts or into a neutral passage provided between the ducts, andthe Walls separating the ducts from the neutral passage having knife edges adapted to divide or split the `iet of fluid issuing from the tube, so that a small portion of the jet may be directed into one of the ducts to cause the member to rotate at a comparatively slow speed, and, if the tube is deflected still farther in the same direction, a greater portion of the jet will be received in the duct, which will lead it against the rotatable member to increase its speed. Conversely, when the tube is deflected in the opposite direction, fluid Will be directed into the other duct, thereby causing the member to rotate in the opposite direction, and, when the tube is positioned directly over the neutral passage, substantially all of the fluid will be received therein and lead away from the peripheryof the member so as not to cause rotation thereof. The fluid discharged from the tube is delivered into the lovver portion of the chamber Where it may be utilized to retard rotation of the member at high speeds as, for example, when the level of the fluid in the chamber is such as to immerse the lower portion of the member. ln this case, the fluid will function` as a brake or a drag on the member, when the latter tends torotate at a high Speed and, conversely, when the member is rotating at a comparatively slow speed, little or no resistance will be offered to the member by the fluid in the chamber.

The particular object of the invention, therefore, is to provide an improved hydraulic relay-mechanism adapted foruse in connection with control mechanisms such, for example, as that set forth in my prior pending application, Serial No. 170,041., filed February 21, 1927.

@ther objects of the invention will appear from the following description and accomscope of the claims which panying drawings and will be pointed out in the .annexed claims.

In the accom aan in drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be Vunderstood that the invention is not confined tothe exact features shown, as various changes may be made within the follow.

ln the accompanying drawings forming Vpart ofthis specification Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view on the line 1-1 of Figure 2, showing the rot-or, the pendently supported tube, and the means provided for leading the fluid from the tube against the periphery of the rotor on either side of its center, for controlling its rotation.

means for limiting movement of the tube;

Figure 6 is a view illustratinga Vconventional form of phenomenon measuring device;

Figure form .vherein the rotor is adapted'for rotation in one direction only;

p Figure 8 also illustrates another form of the apparatus wherein the'neutral passage 'is dispensed with, a member being interposed between the side delivery ducts for dividing or splitting the jet, and

Figure 9 is a view showing the jet-dividing Vmember or splitter, shown in Figure. 8, re-

moved from the apparatus. e.

ln the selected embodiment of the invention here shown, for purposes of disclosure, there is illustrated an apparatus comprising a casing 2 having a water chamber 3. A rotor Ll, preferably .having a plurality of adjacently disposed pockets 5 provided on the periphery thereof, is mounted within the casing 2, and is supported upon lpivots 6 and 7, the latter being terminally provided i hub 11, here shown as being integrally 7 is a view illustrating .a modified upon an adjusting screw- 8, mounted in threaded engagement with the front wall of the casing and having a lock nut 9 for securingit in adjusted positions.

VThe rotor et preferably has an elongated formed with therotor. Upon the inner end of this hub is secured a pinion 12, meshing with a gear wheel 13 rotatably mounted upon a stud 141, secured tothe rear Vwall 15 of the casing. A pinion 16 is suitably secured to the gear 13 and meshes with another gear 17 mounted upon a reduced extension 18 ofa shaft` 19, mounted in a bearing 21 preferably provided 'i in the rear wall 15, as yshown in Figure 2.

The shaft 19 is adapted tothe connected to the mechanism tobe controlled, as will subsequently be described.

The gear wheel 17 is preferably frictional ly secured to the extension 18 so as to permit slippage of the gear upon the extension, in the event that the shaft 19 reaches thelimit of its rotary movement in either direction,

dependent, of course, upon the nature of the mechanism to which it is connected. The means provided for thus frictionally securing the gear to the shaft 18 consist preferably in mounting upon the extension 18, leather or liber washers 22 and 23, the former being interposed between the rear face of the hub of the gear and a washer 211, and the latter being Vinterposed between the front face of the gear and spring 26 is interposed between the washer 25 and a similar washer 27, retained upon the extension 18 by a pin 28.V The spring 26 constantly urges the washer 25, leather washers 22 and 23, and the gearV wheel 17, rearwardly against the metallicV washer 211, seated against the shoulder 29 of the shaft 19. By thus mounting the gear' 17 upon the shaft extension 18, it will be' seen that the shaft V19'is driven by friction.

A fluid conduit or tube 31 is pendently mounted above the rotor l with its discharge end spaced therefrom as shown in Figure 1. r1`he tube has its upper end supported in a eylindrical'extension 82, having a pipe 33 connected therewith which communicates with the upper end of the tube through a flexible connection 3/1, as shown in Figure 2. T he fiexible connection Se permits the lower end of the tube to be deflected by the slightest pressure or force. rIhe'lower end of the tube 81 is preferably guidingly supported in an arm 35, mounted for oscillatory movement upon vertical pivots 36 and 37, shown in Figure'2. rlhe swinging end of the arm 35 is interposed between a pair of adjusting screws 38, as shown in Figure 5, which function tov limit the oscillatory movement of the arm. i1 tension spring 39 has one end connected with the tube 81 and its opposite end connected with an eye-bolt or screw 11, trav ersing the wall of the casing and having a` a washer 25. A compression llO wing nut 42 received in threaded engagement therewith, whereby the tension of the spring 39 may be relatively adjusted to Control the movement et the tube 3l, in cooperation with the phenomenori-measuring device.

'I he tube 31 is adapted to be deflected by a device such, for example, as a watt meter 43, having a connection 44 connecting the hand 45 thereof with the arm 35, as shown in Figures l, 2, 3 and 6. When the tube 3l is thus operatively associated with the pointer 45 ot the watt meter 43, it will be seen that when the hand 45 is moved by load variations in the apparatus connected1 with the watt meter, the tube 3l will be deflected so as to discharge into one or the other of a pair of divergently disposed ducts 46 and 47, or into a neutral passage 4S provided between the ducts, as shown in Figures l and 3.

The ducts 46 and 47 are preferably curved, and have their` lower ends positioned adjacent to the periphery of the rotor 4, and are preferably equally spaced from the vertical center ofthe rotor, as shown in Figures l and 3. However, when `different speeds in clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation are desired, variable spacing may be used. The upper ends or" the duets preferably terminate in a receiving chamber 49, disposed directly beneath the discharge end of the tube 3l, as shown in Figures l and 3. The neutral passagre 48 also communicates with the receiving' chamber 49 and connects with ports 5l leadinpl to the exterior of the curved wall 52, en- :asingr the upper portion of the rotor 4. (See Figure l).

ln Figure l, the tube 3l is shown positioned to direct substantially all of the fluid issuing,l therefrom into Vthe neutral passage 48, whereby the fluid will. be led away from the rotor and onto the curved wall 52, from which it will flow into the lower chamber' 3, as indi cated by the arrows in Figure l.y ln Figure 3, the tube is shown positioned to direct sub- .f-:lantially all ot the fluid into the duct 46, thereby causingV the issuing fluid to impinge against the radial walls or vanes 53, separating the peripheral pockets 5 in the rotor 4. duch impiuginn oit the water against the walls 5 will cause the rotor to rotate countereloekwise. as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3. Tifhen the tube is deflected to the dotted line position shown in Figure 3, the fluid will be directed into the duct 47 which will cause the rotor 4 to rotate clockwise. Thus, it will be seen that deflection of the tube 3l willV control rotation ot the rotor. The walls separating;` the ducts 46 and 47 from the neut ral passage 4S are provided with lrnite edges 5() which 'function to divide the jet ot water discharging from the conduit or tube 3l.

The neutral passage 48 may be made as narrow as desired in relation to the size of the j et issuing` from the tube, depending upon the sensitiveness desired. The narrower the neutral passage, the more responsive will be the relay mechanism to variations and changes in the phenomenon. This Jfeature determines what, in practice, is known as the dead zone.

In order to afford a clearer explanation et the operationof this novel relay mechanism, I have shown in Figure 2, the mechanism operatively connected with a l'orm of pilot valve 54, functioning to control fluid pressure in a pipe line or other apparatus, not shown. A valve 54 operates between two valve seats 56 and 57 and has a stem 53 movf ably supported in a guide 59, suitably secured to the base 6l. A water chamber 62 is shown beneath the valve seat 57 and is connected by a pipe 63 to the discharge side of the pump 64, the intake side of which is connected by a pipe 65 to the chamber 3 beneath the rotor. The pump 64 delivers fluid under pressure to the tube 3l, through a pipe 66 yconnecting the water chamber 62 with the pipe Means, not shown, are provided. for constantly operating the pump 64. The fluid circulating through the chamber 62 will therefore be under pressure, which pressure acts against the lower end of the `valve 54 and tends to move it upwardly into engagement with the valve seat 56. Upward movement oit the valve 54 is resisted by fluid pressure in a chamber 67, here shown as defined by diaphran'ms 63 and 69 and an annular member 71. A flanged stud 72 has its lower end engaging the upper end of the valve stem 56 and has one end of a tension spring` 73 connected with its upper end. rlhe other end of the spring is connected to a 'threaded stem 74, adapted for vertical movement by such means as a. be vel gear 75, received in threaded engagement with the stein 74 and meshingI with a pinion 76, secured to the operating,` shalt l2) of the rela-y mechanism. A pipe 77 'connects the pressure chamber 67 with a smaller pressure chamber 7 6, provided between the valve seats 56 and 57 as shown. The chamber 79, shown above the pressure chamber 76 is preferably connected with the water chamber 3, provided in the lower portion of the casing 2.

l/Vhenever the rotor 4 turns in a clockwise direction, it causes the bevel gear to turn clockwise and thus increase the tension in the spring' 7 5, providing the rod 74 is threaded right hand, as shown. An increase in spring tension results in an upward movement et the member 72 and the pilot valve 54 with a consequent increase in the inlet seat opening 57 and a reduction in the outlet seat opening 56. rlhis will result in an increase in fluid pressure in the chamber 76, the pipes and 77, and the chamber 67, sullicient so that the downward fluid pressure on the enlarged area of disk and diaphragm 69, over that on disk and diaphragm 68, will substantially balance the tension of the spring 7 3,

rlhe fluid pressure in the pipe 55, or the niotion of the shaft 19, may be utilized inany desired manner to control the apparatus coni nected with the Watt meter.

Figure 7 illustrates a modified form wherein the rotor d is adapted for rotation in one,

direction only.` As here shown, the duct 8l,

` corres )ondino to the duct l? in llieures l and D if? klO same pointes the fluid passing throughthe duct e6, thereby causing the rotor to rotate in `one direction or counter-clockwise, when viewed as shown in Figure 7. A neutral passage 82 is provided between the ducts 46 and 8l to lead the fluid away from the rotor. 'lf he `function of this passage is similar to the function of the passage 48, shown and described with reference to the previous figures. The ducts 16 and 8l in Figure Taro separated fromthe neutral passage SQby walls 83, each having a knife edge Sei adapted to divide the jet of fluid issuing from the tube.

' ln the particular form of structure here disclosed, a small variation in phenomenon directing a small portion of the fluid issuing i 1 from the4 tube to the Vrotor through one of the ducts, will cause a gradual accumulation of fluid in the pockets of the rotor until its weight isisuflicient to cause rotation. The resulting rotation will usually be intermittent. A relatively large variation in the phenomenon directing a relatively large portion of' the fluid issuing from the tube into one of the ducts, will cause rapid rotation of the rotor through the combined dynamic pressure of that portion of the issuing jet deflected against the Walls or vanes 53 on the periphery of therotor, and the weight of the fluid accumulating in the pockets thereof.

lllhcn the means interposed between the tube and the rotary member are arranged as shown in Figure 7, the. member will rotate in only one direction. rlhe rate of rotation will depend upon the amount the tube is deflected to either side of the neutral passage. lf the neutral passage is made wide in relation to the width of the issuing jet, then the member will tend to remain stationary for small variations of the phenon'ienon from lnorinal. Gn the other hand, if the neutral passage is made narrower than thc jet, then some fluid will continually be led to the rotor to cause slow rotation, even when Ythe ihonomenon Yis normal. ln both :ases a large variation of the phenomenon from normal in either direction will cause relatively rapid rotation of the rotor.

Under somo conditions it may be `found desirable to eliiiiinate the dead Zone"7 altogether. This can readily be accomplished,

shown in lligure 8, by insert-ing in the neutral passage e8, a jet-dividing member 85, which shell hereinatter refer to a igiene?,

splitter, (See Figure 9.) YThis splitter is inserted into the neutral passage 48, and is suitably secured therein. The opposed upper walls. of the splitter are tapered inwardly and terminate in a knife edge 86, positionedV their respective ducts d6 and 47 to the rotor.

ldlhenthe issuing` jet is thus equally divided between the two chiots, the rotor will come to rest. This resultsbecause one jet portion tends'to rotate the rotor in one direction while the other tends equally to rotate the rotor in the opposite direction. rlhe slightest variation of the phenomenon from normal, however, williminediately cause a relatively greater portion of the issuing jet to be discharged to one side of the knife edge Sti of the splitter 85, resulting in relatively rapid rotation of the rotor, and consequently a rapid readjustment of the associated mechanism. Y

l claim as my invention:

l. ln a relay mechanism, the combination with a main device actuable responsively to variations and changes in a phenomenon, of a rotary element, a fluid conduit supported above said element, and an operativeconnec- `rotor inl either direction.

y Q. ln a relay mechanism, the combination with a main device actuable responsively to variations and changes in a phenomenon, of a rotary element. a fluid conduit supported above said element, means interposed between saidA clement and said conduit adapted to lead fluid discharging from the conduitto the element, and an operative connection between the conduit and the main device for moving the discharge end or' the conduit responsively to said variations and changes so as to direct the discharging fluid to said rotary element in such a manner as to control rotation of the member in either direction.

3. ln a relay mechanism, the combination with a main device actuable responsively to variations and changes in a phenomenon, of a rotary element, a fluid conduit supported above the element, means interposed between the element and the conduit for leadingthe fluid discharging from the conduit against and away from the rotary element and an operative connection between the f conduit and the main device for iiiovirig` the substantially all or a portion o the dis- Y charging fluid against or away from the element, to control its rotation.

4.. ln a relay mechanism, the combination with a main device actuable responsively to variations and changes in a phenomenon, of a rotary element, a fluid conduit supported above the clement, ducts interposed between the element and the conduit for leading fluid discharging from the conduit to the elemert to rotate it, a passage for leading the discharging fluid away from the element, and an operative connection between the conduit and the main device for moving the discharge end of the conduit responsively to said Avariations and changes so as to direct substantially all or a portion of the discharging fluid against or away from the element, to control its rotation.

5. ln a relay mechanism, the combination of a rotary element, a tube pendently supported above the rotary element and having a connection with fluid supply, a duct adapted to receive fluid from the tube and leading 'to one side oill the center of the rotary element, a neutral passage adjacent to said duct 'for receiving fluid from the tube and leading it away from the rotary element, and means for detlecting said tube.

6. In a relay mechanism, the combination with a main device actuable responsively to variati ons and changes in a phenomenomol a rotor adapted for movement in either direc tion, a Huid conduit supported above the rotor, meansfor leading fluid discharging from the conduit against the rotor, a passage for leading discharging fluid away from the ro-r tor, and an operative connection between the conduit and the main device adapted respon sively to said variations and changes to move the conduit so as to direct a portion or all of the fluid against the rotor, to control its rotation.

7. ln a relay mechanism, the combination ol-I arotor, a tube pendenlly supported over the rotor and having its discharge end spaced from the periphery thereof, divergent ducts interposed between the periphery of the rotor and the discharge end of' the tube adapted to receive fluid issuing from the tube and to direct it against the periphery of the rotor, a neutral passage arranged between the ducts and also adapted to receive fluid discharging ifi-om the tube to lead it away from the rotor, and means for deflecting the tube to direct the fluid issuing therefmni into the ducts and passage, to control rotation of said rotor.

8. ln a relay mechanism, the combination ofi a rotor adapted for movement in either dircction, a iluid conduit supported above the rotor, ducts for directing fluid discharging from the conduit against the rotor, at either side of its center, to rotate the rotor in either direction, a neutral passage between said chiots for leading the fluid away from the rotor, and means operable to deflect the conduit so as to direct a portion or all of' the fluid discharging therefrom into said ducts and said passage, to control rotation of the rotor in either direction. i

9. ln a relay mechanism, the combination ol2 a rotor adapted 'for movement in either direction, a fluid conduit supported above the rotor, a pair of divergent ducts arranged between the rotor and the discharge end of the conduit for leading discharging fluid against the periphery of the rotor, at either side of its center, to rotate the saine in either direc tion, a neutral. passage between the ducts for leading the fluid away from the rotor, walls separating the ducts from the neutral passage, each wall having a lrnife edge adapted to divide the stream issuing from the conduit, and means operable to deflect the conduit so as to direct the iiuid discharging therefrom into said ducts and said passage, to control rotation of the rotor in either direction.

l0. ln a relay mechanism, the combination of a rotor having peripheral pockets, a fluid conduit supported above the rotor, ducts hav ing their lower ends terminating adjacent to the periphery of the rotor at opposite sides of its center and having their upper ends positioned to receive fluid issuing from the conduit, a neutral passage between said ducts for directing the fluid away from the rotor, and means operable to cause a portion or all of the fluid issuing from the conduit, to be directed into one or the other of the ducts and into the neutral passage, to control rotation of the rotor.

l1. In a relay mechanism, the eombina tion of a rotor having peripheral pockets, a fluid conduit supported above the rotor, ducts interposed between the periphery of the rotor and the discharge end of the conduit for leading fluid discharging therefrom into the pockets of the rotor, at either side of its center, a neutral passage between the ducts for leading fluid away from the rotor, knife-edged walls separating the ducts from the neutral passage, and means operable to deflect the conduit so as to direct 'Huid issuing therefrom into the ducts and neutral passage in such a manner as to control rotation of the rotor in either direction.

12. ln a relay mechanism, the combination of a casing having a water chamber in the lower portion thereof, a rotor mounted in the casing and having the lower portion of its periphery immersed in the water chamber, a tube pendently supported over the rotor, and means for leading the fluid issuing from the tube to the periphery of the rotor to control its rotation.

ln witness whereof, l have hereunto set my hand. this 23rd day of November, 1927.

ADOLPH F. MEYER, 

